Peanut Butter Mocha Energy Bites
on Mar 02, 2020, Updated Jul 08, 2024
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Peanut Butter Mocha Energy Bites are the perfect way to fuel your next workout! Gluten free, vegan and a touch of caffeine thanks to the added espresso powder.
This recipe and photos have been updated since the original post on 6/4/2014
I love making homemade energy bites. Not only are they less expensive than most energy bars at the grocery store, but you can control the ingredients that go into them. I have a pretty sensitive stomach, so I like to keep my pre-run snack gluten and dairy free to avoid an upset stomach while I’m out.
If you’ve never made energy bites these Peanut Butter Mocha Energy Bites are great ones to start with. You only need one bowl, a rubber spatula and a handful of ingredients that you may already have.
What Do I Need to Make the Energy Bites?
- Quick oats, gluten free if needed
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Flax meal
- Espresso powder or very finely ground coffee
- Peanut butter
- Maple syrup or honey
- Vanilla extract
- Almond milk or substitute with water
Do I Need a High Speed Blender or Food Processor to Make These?
Nope. Like I mentioned above these are great to make if you’re new to energy bites. You don’t have a high speed blender or food processor, just a mixing bowl and rubber spatula. I have several energy bites that do require either a blender or food processor because you’re using it to finely grind nuts. These Cranberry Vanilla Energy Bites are my favorite!
These energy bites are a great balance of carbs and protein making them ideal for a pre or post workout snack. Keep in mind that these are not a meal replacement, but rather something quick and easy you can grab and eat and supplement later with a complete meal.
If you’re like me and workout early in the morning, eating a big meal before starting your workout may not work. Not only do I not have time to make a full meal, but my stomach wouldn’t be able to handle that right before going out for a run. I usually grab two or three of these bites and I’m good to go.
How to Make the Peanut Butter Mocha Energy Bites
Making these energy bites is so simple. Start by stirring together the peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla. If your peanut butter isn’t getting smooth, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds until it’s runny. My preference is to use natural peanut butter, but the sweetened kind should work as well.
Once the peanut butter mixture is smooth add in the oats, flax, espresso powder and cocoa powder. If your cocoa powder is lumpy you’ll want to sift it in so you don’t bite into a chunk of unsweetened cocoa powder, gross. If the mixture is too dry and not combining to the point where you can form it into balls, add in a tablespoon of almond milk or water.
Once the dough is made, use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to divide the mixture evenly. Roll the dough between the palms of your hands into balls and place them in an airtight container. The energy bites a best stored in the refrigerator and will last about a week. You can also freeze them for several months.
Can I Skip the Espresso Powder?
Yes. If you don’t do caffeine or are making these for kids you can absolutely skip the espresso powder. If by chance you don’t have espresso powder on hand you can substitute it with instant coffee or very finely ground coffee.
These Peanut Butter Mocha Energy Bites are not only great for fueling your next workout, but are great for an afternoon snack or after dinner treat.
More Energy Bites
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Energy Bites
Peanut Butter Mocha Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup quick oats gluten free if needed
- 1/4 cup flax meal
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk
Instructions
- Stir together the peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla until combined. Add in the oats, flax, cocoa powder (sifted if lumpy) and espresso powder then stir until a dough forms. If the dough is dry add in 1-2 tablespoons of milk or water.
- Scoop the dough into tablespoon size portions and roll into a ball with your hands. Stored the energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for several months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I just made a batch of these for my husband to take onto the river as he’s doing water rescue training all week. Brrrrr it’s March in Oregon! I just tasted them as I was putting them in the frig to cool and they’re delicious!!
Now I’m going to make another batch to take to my daughter and her roommate who are going through finals right now. Thank you for such a great recipe!
I’m so glad you liked them Tammy! Stay warm!
Hey! These sound tasty…I’m training for a half marathon and looking into pre-fuel and mid-run fueling. have you ever eaten these during a run? and were they helpful? or do you have a different recipe for mid-run fueling…
Thanks!
Hi Linda,
I haven’t ever eaten these during a run or race. My stomach tends to be a little sensitive when I’m running so I’ve always just stuck to using energy gels. However, if you can handle chewing and eating while you run these or any of my energy bite recipes would be good. They’re a nice balance of carbs, sugar and protein. Just be sure to test it out during training and not on race day. Another idea if you want something totally natural is to just carry a couple medjool dates with you. Pure natural sugar and carbs!
These look awesome! I have pretty much all the ingredients , too- hoping to make them tonight. Question- how many do you suggest eating as a serving?
Hi Lauren,
If you make the bites at the size suggested (15 bites total) then each one has approximately 55 calories. Depending on your caloric needs, I’d say 3 would be a good amount for a snack.
Thanks for a great recipe. Always looking for health related foods.